area codes

[Jay R. Ashworth]

On Mon, Jul 14, 2008 at 05:06:17PM -0400, GCC Consulting wrote:
> > > Lop off the second part of the fP-supplied global PHONE edit, so as to
> > > not allow the "old" classic format, the one which didn't require an area
> > > code.
> > 
> > Or, better, create a new edit that works that way, and set your columns
> > to that.  (Yes, I know some people will say that's not better, it's
> > worse.  I disagree with those people.)
> 
> This only is easier if one is comfortable with writing or working with
> edits.  The other disadvantage of doing this in an edit is you can't put up
> a error message specific to this error,  With an edit, the only message will
> be "EDIT FAILED".
> 
> With catching this in processing either msgbox or errorbox can be used with
> information specific to the area code error.  One can even put up the
> errorbox and then popup a list box with the 2 area codes and allow the
> operator to pick the correct one and then combine the two.
> 
> This solution will be faster and easier on the user as the don't have to
> return to the field and retype all or part of the phone #.

Sure.  The question is *always* "does the ease of use for the user
justify the labor investment by the programmers?"

Programmers are easily estimateable.

Users aren't.

The easier way usually wins.  :-)

Cheers,
- jra
-- 
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